5 reasons to discover Lelystad

before King’s Day 2027

| | |

From a giant overlooking the water to street art in the heart of the city, Lelystad has places you may not yet know about. And on 27 April 2027, the city will be firmly in the spotlight. So it’s a great time to start exploring now.

On 27 April 2027, the royal family will be coming to Lelystad to celebrate King’s Day. What makes this particularly special is that both King Willem-Alexander and Lelystad will be celebrating their 60th birthdays that year. But why wait until King’s Day to discover the city? Head out, take a fresh look around you and be surprised by what Lelystad has to offer.

1. Where a giant looks out over the water

Exposure

You can spot him from a distance: a huge man who seems to be looking out over the Markermeer with his knees bent. This is ‘Exposure’, better known as the ‘Crouching Man’. This artwork by Antony Gormley is no less than 26 metres tall and stands at Bataviahaven.

Take a stroll along the harbour, admire the boats moored in the water and find a spot to enjoy the view for a while. With a bit of luck, you’ll be treated to a stunning sunset as a backdrop.

Artwork Exposure/Hurling Man in Lelystad.

  • Typically Lelystad

    This is where art, water and open spaces come together in a unique way.

  • Where should you go?

    At Bataviahaven, close to Museum Batavialand.

  • Extra fun

    From Bataviahaven, hop aboard a boat to the Marker Wadden: a group of natural islands in the middle of the Markermeer. This is where birds settle and nature has free rein. Walk along the paths, spot birds from a viewing hut or enjoy the view over the water. A special outing for anyone who wants to discover Lelystad from the water and from an island.

    People walking Marker Wadden.

  • What you need to know

    Prefer to stay on dry land? Find a spot on a terrace or pull up a chair for a bite to eat and a drink. Fancy some tapas? Then head to TR3S Tapasbar or ’t Zusje. De Rede is also a lovely place to settle down, or opt for Italian cuisine at Borcelli. That way, you can turn your visit to the harbour into a lovely day out straight away.

    Front view of the Rede in Bataviahaven.

2. Where you can step back in time in a single step

Batavialand Museum

Did you know that Lelystad is situated on land that was once the bed of the Zuiderzee? At Museum Batavialand, you can discover how Flevoland came into being and how the Netherlands has lived with water for centuries.

A real eye-catcher is the Batavia, a reconstruction of a 17th-century VOC ship. Since 2 October 2026, the ship has been on dry land next to the museum. This allows you to appreciate the impressive size of this 56.6-metre-long ship even better from the outside.

There’s plenty to discover indoors too. In the interactive Water Theatre, children and adults alike can learn how the Netherlands keeps its feet dry. For example, build your own dykes, operate sluices and discover how a polder works through play.

  • Typically Lelystad

    A city with a history that literally lies beneath your feet. And surroundings that you’ll see in a different light once you know how the land was formed.

  • Where should you go?

    At Museum Batavialand, on Oostvaardersdijk.

    Mother and child look at miniature ship.

  • Extra fun

    Put on your walking shoes for the Waterwandelweg. This 3.6-kilometre route runs along the Lelystad waterfront, from the Houtrib locks towards the Noordersluis lock at Gemaal Wortman. Along the way, you’ll come across sixteen information panels covering topics such as locks, weirs, pumping stations and how Flevoland stays dry. It’s a great way to explore outdoors what you’ve learnt indoors!

  • What you need to know

    Fancy making a day of it? Then pop into Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet. With over a hundred brands, including Adidas, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger and The North Face, there’s plenty to see. In between, you can stop off at one of the many restaurants and cafés, such as Twelve12 for coffee or a treat, Fashion Café for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or De Ruyter Vis for a fish dish.

    Main entrance Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet.

3. Where you might just stumble upon art on the street

Street Art

You don’t always have to go into a museum to enjoy art. In Lelystad’s city centre, you’ll find colourful murals that give the buildings and streets a unique character.

For example, check out ‘Fire and Flood’ by Rocket01 or ‘ON VANISHING LAND’ by the Greek street artist Taxis. Each artwork tells its own story, ranging from nature and the climate to the history and future of Flevoland. Another special feature: a number of murals come to life on your smartphone with footage from the artists themselves.

Turn it into a treasure hunt: how many murals can you spot on a single walk?

  • Typically Lelystad

    Art that is part of the city and which you might just stumble upon as you go about your day.

  • Where should you go?

    Start at Waagpassage 49 in the Stadshart.

  • Extra fun

    Follow the Street Art walking route through the Stadshart. The route is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and takes you past various murals. Fancy exploring a bit further? With the ‘Dubbelop’ art route, for example, you can discover both street art and other art in the Stadshart. This way, you’ll see a completely different side of the city in a single walk.

4. Places where children can get a bit messy

Belevenissenbos

Shoes that stay clean? That’s far from certain in the Belevenissenbos. This isn’t just any playground, but an adventurous play forest covering no less than 40 hectares. With over 150 pieces of play equipment, the managers claim it is the largest adventure forest in Europe. Here, children can climb, scramble, balance, run about and, above all, do exactly as they please.

Scattered throughout the woods are all sorts of play areas. In one spot you can tackle an obstacle course or survival challenges, whilst elsewhere you can cross the water via exciting trails. There are sand mounds to climb, watercourses with little islands to discover and winding paths that take you somewhere new every time. So you’ll never run out of things to do here.

In the Paardenvallei, you can see horses roaming in a natural setting. So keep your eyes peeled as you walk through the woods: there might be something new to discover round every bend.

Children on rope bridge in forest.

  • Typically Lelystad

    A place where children have the space to go on outdoor adventures. With mud on your shoes and stories to take home.

  • Where should you go?

    Head to the car park at the main entrance to the Belevenissenbos at Veldweg 96 in Lelystad. From there, you can walk straight into the adventure forest. You can also explore the Belevenissenbos on foot via the Zuigerplasbos. Why not make the most of it and go for a stroll through the countryside whilst you’re there?

  • Extra fun

    Bring some dry clothes and make a long afternoon of it. That way, you won’t have to head home after the first muddy patch. Don’t forget to bring your own food and drink, either.

    Experience forest in summer with children playing.

5. Where you come face to face with wild animals

Lelystad Nature Park

Fancy getting away from it all for a bit? In Lelystad Nature Park, you can stroll along peaceful paths through a green landscape and spot red deer, wild boar and European bison, amongst other animals. With a variety of walking routes, you can explore the park at your own pace. Take the time to look around, as sometimes you need to be quiet for a moment to spot the animals.

There’s plenty for children to enjoy too. At the visitor centre, you’ll find information about the wildlife and the nature reserve. Outside, there’s a large playground, built around an eagle’s nest. It’s a lovely spot to play for a while before or after a walk.

Take a look at Swifterkamp, a small prehistoric settlement in the nature park. Here, you’ll step back thousands of years in time, to the period when the first farmers settled in this area. Among other things, you’ll discover reconstructed farmhouses and a hunter-gatherer’s hut. With a little imagination, you can easily picture what life was like back then.

Two moose in Lelystad Nature Park. Otter enclosure in Nature Park with an audience watching.

  • Typically Lelystad

    Be surrounded by nature, whilst the city is never far away.

  • Where should you go?

    At Lelystad Nature Park, on Vlotgrasweg.

  • Extra fun

    Scattered throughout the park are picnic benches where you can sit and relax. Tip: bring your own picnic blanket and find a lovely spot to enjoy a meal together. Would you rather sit down for a meal? Head to Restaurant Harteluk for a tasty treat, with views of the central lake and the surrounding greenery from the terrace.

    And would you like to experience the park in a different way? Then book an excursion on the tour coach. During such a trip, you’ll discover more about the area and the animals that live there.

Want to discover even more of Lelystad?

Here are five places to start with, but there’s much more to discover. Why not pop into the Aviodrome Aviation Museum, browse the shops in the Stadshart, or visit one of the farm shops on the outskirts of the city?

And who knows, you might even discover your new favourite spot along the way.

On 27 April 2027, the whole of the Netherlands will be watching Lelystad. But you don’t have to wait until King’s Day to see what makes this city so special.

Add this to your list

  • Owls of the Hollandse Hout

    Owls of the Hollandse Hout
    Walking tour

    Join the guide to search for owls in Hollandse Hout. Walk through the dark woods and listen to the stories told by the guide. Ge...

    Parking area Hollandse Hout

    Saturday 21 November

  • Gnome trail Oostvaardersplassen Lelystad

    Gnome trail Oostvaardersplassen Lelystad
    Varia

    Come find gnomes! Walk the gnome trail at Buitencentrum Oostvaardersplassen and experience all kinds of adventures. Fun for children aged 3 to 6.

    until 1 January 2027

  • Stadshart market

    Stadshart market
    Market

    On Saturday, you can visit the Agorahof from 9am to 4pm for all your fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables, nuts, flowers, clothes, travel, hobby art...

    weekly

  • Birds of the Oostvaardersplassen

    Birds of the Oostvaardersplassen
    Walking tour

    Discover the birds of the Oostvaardersplassen with a guide! Learn to watch and listen, visit bird-watching huts and enjoy after with lunch. For young and...

    Outdoor centre Oostvaardersplassen

    21 November, 19 December

  • Night walk Lelystad Nature Park

    Night walk Lelystad Nature Park
    Excursion

    Ring in the new season, discover nature nearby and join a guided walk through the beautiful Lelystad Nature Park.

    Lelystad Nature Park

    Sunday 20 December

  • Crazy Friday

    Crazy Friday
    Shopping

    Every last Friday of the month is Crazy Friday at Batavia Stad. The day to take advantage of the best offers!

    Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet

    27 November, 25 December

  • KIDS CLUP PALAZZO

    KIDS CLUP PALAZZO
    Programme

    An afternoon of fun for children and relaxation for parents. While the kids are having a great time, there will be plenty of space to get inspired.

    Palazzo Shopping Mall

    Sunday 6 December

  • The Big Christmas Quiz

    The Big Christmas Quiz
    Pub quiz

    Round off the year in festive style on Saturday 19 December with The Big Christmas Quiz at Poppodium Corneel! The lads from Quizmasters of Melody are bringing...

    Poppodium corneel

    Saturday 19 December

  • Top 2000 Pop Quiz 2027

    Top 2000 Pop Quiz 2027
    Pub quiz

    The dark days around Christmas and New Year's Eve have long been illuminated by the list of lists: the Top 2000! The new year begins...

    Poppodium corneel

    Sunday 3 January 2027

  • Board Game Café

    Board Game Café
    Programme

    Come and join in the fun!

    FlevoMeer Library Lelystad

    Saturday 12 December

  • Lelystad Light Parade & Christmas Market 2026

    Lelystad Light Parade & Christmas Market 2026
    Market

    This year, the Light Parade is a full, festive day-long programme packed with winter cheer, performances, children’s attractions, delicious food trucks and...

    Lelystad city centre

    Saturday 12 December

  • Pot-making for children

    Pot-making for children
    Workshop

    Have you always wanted to try your hand at pottery? During the school holidays, children and young people up to the age of 18 can try their hand at it at Werkplaats der Ideeën in Lelystad...

    Workshop of Ideas

    21 December, 28 December

  • Vrij-Gezellig

    Vrij-Gezellig
    Event

    Fed up with those dating apps too? At Vrij-Gezellig, you can meet the nicest new people right on the dance floor!

    Poppodium corneel

    Saturday 13 February 2027

  • Evening Survival in the Belevenissenbos

    Evening Survival in the Belevenissenbos
    Event

    Are you up for the challenge? On Saturday 21 November 2026, the 8th edition of the Evening Survival will take place in the Belevenissenbos in Lelystad.

    The adventure forest

    Saturday 21 November

  • Storytelling performance "Farmer Boris, a horse for St Nicholas"

    Storytelling performance "Farmer Boris, a horse for St Nicholas"
    Read out

    Knol is afraid of heights

    FlevoMeer Library Lelystad

    18 November, 20 November

  • Lelystad On Ice

    Lelystad On Ice
    Event

    For a whole month, the Stadshart is transformed into a winter meeting place. Lelystad On Ice brings a 400 m² indoor ice rink made of real ice to the A...

    Agorahof

    4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027

  • Christmas market

    Christmas market
    Market

    The cosy Christmas market opens at midday! Stroll past atmospheric stalls full of unique gifts, festive items and tasty treats at the Town Hall...

    Lelystad city centre

    Saturday 12 December

  • Lelystad Record Fair

    Lelystad Record Fair
    Market

    On Saturday 22 November, the Lelystad Record Fair returns to Poppodium Corneel! The record fair, which traditionally takes place in January...

    Poppodium corneel

    Sunday 22 November

  • Experience a story with your nose

    Experience a story with your nose
    Programme

    The creator of the inclusive reading table takes you on an interactive journey

    FlevoMeer Library Lelystad

    Tuesday 17 November

  • Write a story with your nose

    Write a story with your nose
    Programme

    Let scents inspire you to write a story!

    FlevoMeer Library Lelystad

    Tuesday 17 November

  • Pepernoten Factory

    Pepernoten Factory
    Programme

    St Nicholas is coming to visit

    FlevoMeer Library Lelystad

    Wednesday 25 November

  • Offline Inspiration: Surprise

    Offline Inspiration: Surprise
    Workshop

    More and more people are feeling the need for some ‘offline time’. Articles are being written about it, board games are being played, and amongst young people, the digital...

    FlevoMeer Library Lelystad

    Thursday 26 November

  • St Nicholas at the Kroonpassage

    St Nicholas at the Kroonpassage
    Event

    This afternoon, St Nicholas and his helpers are coming to the Kroonpassage. Would you like to have your photo taken with St Nicholas and his helpers? Do pop in!

    Lelystad city centre

    Saturday 21 November

  • Pietendisco at the Saturday market

    Pietendisco at the Saturday market
    Market

    During the Saturday market, there’s music and dancing with the ‘Pieten’ amongst the market stalls. Show off your best dance moves and throw some peppercorns...

    Agorahof

    Saturday 5 December

Choose your route

  • Cycle route Organic Lelystad

    Cycle route Organic Lelystad
    Recreational
    (21 km)

    The cycle tour Biologisch Lelystad starts in a lovely outdoor area the Groene Velden in Lelystad Noord. This area is part of a uni...

  • Cycle route: Landart & landscape Lelystad

    Cycle route: Landart & landscape Lelystad
    Recreational
    (32.8 km)

    The Zuiderzee used to be here, now you cycle along straight cycle paths of reclaimed land. This route introduces you to the typical polder land...

  • Cycle route: Typically Lelystad

    Cycle route: Typically Lelystad
    Recreational
    (33 km)

    Whoever says Lelystad thinks of straight roads and modern architecture. But its history is also well known: reclamation, Cornelis Lely's plans and...

  • Cycle route: Historic Lelystad

    Cycle route: Historic Lelystad
    Recreational
    (38.2 km)

    Once the waters of the Zuiderzee flowed here, now you cycle through a modern city with beautiful architecture and lots of greenery. Discover this city on the f...

  • Around Flevoland

    Around Flevoland
    Recreational
    (240 km)

    So you are that fit fanatic cyclist who is not averse to a challenge? Do you dare battle the Flevoland Wall of Woei?

  • Gases along the lakes

    Gases along the lakes
    Recreational
    (85 km)

    Where do we know Flevoland from? Long straight roads where cyclists can rev up the throttle! So do just that with this route. You sn...

  • The pendulum

    The pendulum
    Recreational
    (149 km)

    Swinging through the polder, is that possible? Yes indeed! Almost 150 kilometres in fact. This route shows you the nicest cycle paths in Southern Flevoland. Comp...

  • Free audio tour: Oostvaardersplassen Almere (Ode to the Landscape)

    Free audio tour: Oostvaardersplassen Almere (Ode to the Landscape)
    Walking tour
    (7.5 km)

    In the Oostvaardersplassen, two completely new and corona-proof audio tours have been made available. Free and walkable on your own with...

  • Forward

    Forward
    Recreational
    (86 km)

    On this route in Eastern Flevoland, you can 'polish through'. But those who think there are only straight polder roads in this cycling route, hee...

  • Cycle route: Along the lakes and canals of Lelystad

    Cycle route: Along the lakes and canals of Lelystad
    Recreational
    (63 km)

    Actually, Flevoland is one big polder surrounded by water. Built on the coast, Lelystad is partly on the Markermeer and partly on the IJss...

  • Cycle route: Historical stories on a bicycle

    Cycle route: Historical stories on a bicycle
    Recreational
    (38.2 km)

    The first residents moved into Lelystad on 28 September 1967. So the city's history is still young, but the stories are no less in...

  • Free audio tour: Nationaal Park Nieuw Land

    Free audio tour: Nationaal Park Nieuw Land
    Walking tour
    (7.9 km)

    The free audio tour National Park Nieuw Land is a beautiful route through the Oostvaardersplassen, walkable on your own with the help of e...

  • Street Art walking route Stadshart Lelystad

    Street Art walking route Stadshart Lelystad
    Walking tour
    (1.5 km)

    Did you know that more than 10 murals can be found in Lelystad? These murals are scattered throughout the Stadshart and shopping centre 't Lelycen...

  • Family cycle route

    Family cycle route
    Recreational
    49 minutes (17.4 km)

    Explore Lelystad's most beautiful spots around Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet by bike. With these cycling routes, you will learn the most beautiful and surprising places...

  • Audio tour - Nieuw Land National Park

    Audio tour - Nieuw Land National Park
    Recreational
    (35 km)

    Want to discover the story of Flevoland as seen through the eyes of sea painters of the past and contemporary photographers while cycling? The audio rout...

  • MTB route Lelystad

    MTB route Lelystad
    Offroad/MTB
    (33.2 km)

    The MTB route takes Lelystad up one hill after another, winding so much that it almost makes you dizzy. Cycle through the Zuigerplasbos,...

  • Batavialand - Audio tour De Batavia

    Batavialand - Audio tour De Batavia
    Walking tour
    (299 m)

    In this audio tour, we take you right through the ship the Batavia, the replica of the 17th century ship of the same name. You will learn how all the parts v...

  • Organic cycle route in Lelystad

    Organic cycle route in Lelystad
    Recreational
    1 hour 29 minutes (25.9 km)

    Explore Lelystad's most beautiful spots around Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet by bike. With these cycling routes, you will learn the most beautiful and surprising places...

  • Cycle route: National Park Nieuw Land (short version)

    Cycle route: National Park Nieuw Land (short version)
    Recreational
    (33 km)

    A large part of the reclaimed Flevopolder was not used for living and working. This area became National Park Nieuw Land. Discover this bird...

  • Walking route Lelystad Coast

    Walking route Lelystad Coast
    City walk
    (11.1 km)

    We take a varied walk along the Lelystad coast and stroll through dunes and along the edges of some residential areas.

  • Berg en Bos walking route

    Berg en Bos walking route
    City walk
    (13.2 km)

    Take a walk on the north and east sides of Lelystad, where several city forests were created in the 1970s. These city forests...

  • Art Route Stadshart Lelystad

    Art Route Stadshart Lelystad
    Walking tour
    (3.5 km)

    Get out and walk the best route right through Lelystad's Stadshart! From street art to a fun exhibition: this art route will take you past...

  • Shipwrecks route

    Shipwrecks route
    Recreational
    2 hours 30 minutes (42 km)

    Cycle past various shipwreck sites in Lelystad. Flevoland is the youngest province in the Netherlands with a very special genesis history....

  • Pionierspad – stage 7

    Pionierspad – stage 7
    Walking tour
    (21.5 km)

    Welcome to stage 7 of the Pionierspad, starting from De Hollandse Hout on the outskirts of Lelystad and heading towards the Knardijk. You’ll be walking towards Oos...

This website uses cookies

This website uses cookies (Functional, Analytical, Marketing) which are necessary for the website to function as well as possible. By clicking accept, you indicate your agreement with this.